Setting up your Ledger device for the first time is one of the most important steps you can take toward protecting your digital assets. Whether you’ve purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax, the setup process begins at Ledger.com/start, the official and trusted resource to get you up and running. This guide walks you through each step, explains essential security practices, and helps you understand how to confidently manage your cryptocurrency with Ledger hardware.
Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding portal created by Ledger to help new users initialize their hardware wallets safely. It ensures you avoid fake links, counterfeit apps, or phishing attempts by guiding you through:
Device unboxing
Firmware installation
Ledger Live download
Recovery phrase setup
Account creation
Sending and receiving crypto
Recommended security best practices
Using the official site is essential because it guarantees that every step you take is verified, secure, and free from third-party risks.
When you receive your Ledger device, ensure the packaging is:
Sealed and untampered
Free from handwritten recovery phrases
Not pre-configured in any way
Ledger never includes a prewritten recovery phrase or asks you to provide your private keys. If you find anything suspicious in the box, stop the setup and contact Ledger support immediately.
Inside the package, you will find:
Ledger hardware wallet
USB or USB-C cable
Recovery phrase sheets
Privacy and regulatory documentation
Open a browser and manually type:
Do not click links from emails, social media, or search ads. The official portal will redirect you to the correct setup instructions and automatically detect your Ledger model.
From here, you can:
Download Ledger Live
Begin device initialization
Verify authenticity
Update firmware
Ledger Live is the official application used to manage your Ledger wallet. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS (for Bluetooth-supported devices like the Nano X or Stax).
After downloading:
Install the application on your device.
Open Ledger Live and choose “Get Started.”
Select your Ledger model.
Ledger Live will guide you through every step visually with on-screen prompts.
Important Note:
Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com — never from third-party sources.
Now that you’re inside Ledger Live, follow these steps:
Connect your Ledger using the provided cable or turn it on using the power button (depending on the model).
Choose a PIN code between 4–8 digits. This protects your physical device from unauthorized access.
Ledger will never set a PIN for you.
Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase.
Write these words down on the recovery sheets provided. This phrase is the master key to your crypto.
Never:
Store it online
Take photos of it
Share it with anyone
Enter it into websites or apps
Your recovery phrase should only ever be viewed on the Ledger screen.
Your device will ask you to reconfirm some of the 24 words to verify you wrote them down correctly.
Once complete, your device is officially initialized.
Ledger Live will automatically test whether your device is genuine. This ensures:
No tampering
No modifications
Proper secure element chip functioning
If anything seems off, Ledger Live will alert you before you continue.
Each cryptocurrency requires its own app on your Ledger device. Example:
Bitcoin app
Ethereum app
Solana app
XRP app
Polygon app
Inside Ledger Live:
Go to “My Ledger.”
Connect your device and confirm access.
Install the coins you want to manage.
Your Ledger can support multiple apps at once depending on the model’s storage.
To send or receive funds, you must add accounts:
Go to “Accounts” in Ledger Live.
Click “Add Account.”
Select a cryptocurrency.
Confirm on your Ledger device.
Your accounts will now appear in Ledger Live, allowing you to monitor balances and transactions in real time.
To receive crypto:
Open Ledger Live.
Click “Receive.”
Choose your crypto account.
Connect your device.
Verify the address that appears on the Ledger screen.
Always make sure the address on Ledger Live matches the one displayed on the device. This prevents address-manipulation malware.
Once verified, you can share the address with the sender.
Click “Send.”
Input the recipient’s address.
Enter the amount.
Choose the network fee.
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
Ledger ensures that nothing leaves your wallet without your physical approval.
Firmware updates introduce:
Security improvements
Bug fixes
New features
Compatibility with new apps
Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available. Always keep your device updated.
Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your crypto if:
Your device is lost
Your device is damaged
You forget your PIN
You replace the device
Use these best practices:
Store your phrase in at least two physical locations
Use metal backup tools for fireproof storage
Never digitize your phrase
If someone gains access to your 24 words, your funds cannot be recovered.
Ledger is trusted globally because it offers:
Certified secure element chips
Offline private key storage
Anti-tampering architecture
Open-source application layers
A proven track record with millions of users
The combination of hardware security and Ledger Live software gives complete control over your crypto.
App won't install: Check storage or update firmware.
Device not connecting: Try another USB cable or port.
Ledger Live not syncing: Restart Ledger Live or clear cache (built-in option).
Wrong address: Always verify on the device screen.
Setting up your Ledger device through Ledger.com/start ensures that every step of your crypto journey begins securely. Whether you're new to digital assets or upgrading your security, Ledger provides a robust, battle-tested environment for safe crypto storage. By following the setup instructions carefully — especially your recovery phrase handling — you create a secure foundation that protects your investments long-term.